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The ministry of Internal Affairs wishes to share this Media release from the Cook Islands National Youth Council and wish their New Committee members the best for the coming Year and hope to continue to work in partnership in empowering Youth in the Cook Islands….

“In an official meeting, held on the 9th of February, the Cook Islands National Youth Council moved to replace outgoing President Ms. Naomi Manavaikai, who stepped down from the position in the same meeting. In true solidarity, Ms. Manavaikai expressed to the council that she had found the role to be rewarding but rather demanding and was happy to step down to allow for another member to lead the council. She will continue to support the work of the council as a committee member.

In the same meeting, Ms. Sieni Tiraa was voted in as Ms. Manavaikai’s replacement, and has now assumed the role of CINYC president. Ms. Tiraa brings much enthusiasm and vitality to the work of the council and is more than ready to lead the team.

Other positions that became vacant at the said meeting included the Treasurer and Secretary. The role of Treasurer, vacated by Mr. Papamama Pokino, has now been taken up by Ms. Nukutau Pokura. The position of secretary, which was vacated by Ms. Tiraa after being elected President, was taken up by Ms. Piakura Passfield who is willing to assist the council to achieve its aspirations. In addition, Rotaract president, Mr. Daniel Fisher has rejoined the Council and Ms. Roimata Wilson resumes her role, both as committee members.

The Cook Islands Youth Council has a strong team with many passionate members wanting to ensuring and advocating for the best for our young people, in partnership with government and non-government stakeholders.

If any aspiring young activists out there in the community would like to become part of the council as a committee member, just contact Ms. Sieni Tiraa on 81423, email cki.nationalyouthcouncil@gmail.com or drop us a message on Facebook for more details.

The Minimum Wage Review panel kindly invites the Public to attend the Minimum Wages Review Public Oral Submission Meeting, to be held at the Sinai Hall in Avarua on the 20th February 2017 from 5pm – 7pm.

The meeting initially organized for the Friday 17th February at the INTAFF premises is cancelled.

Deadline for written submissions remains on the 20th February 2017, COB.

The Price Tribunal is pleased with some improvements in fuel prices in the Pa Enua following the introduction of new margins for the Southern and Northern islands, as issued in the latest Price Order on 16 January 2017.

“There was a need to review the fuel price margins in the Pa Enua, as we recognised that they were outdated and not reflective of actual costs to supply fuel,” stated President of the Price Tribunal, Tatiana Burn.

“It is pleasing to see that progress is being made by Pa Enua retailers to comply with lower prices than has been the practice,” stated Burn, “and in particular, we congratulate Atiu as the first of the Pa Enua islands subject to Price Order 01/2017 to be fully compliant with the new petrol and diesel prices and commend those retailers on Atiu for this.

“The benefits to Atiu consumers is a 22% price reduction on petrol and a 25% reduction in the price of diesel compared with what was previously charged.”

Price inspections are carried out in the Pa Enua by Ministry of Internal Affairs’ officers on each of the Pa Enua. Following inspections over the past few weeks, a number of price order breach notices have been issued and continued non-compliance will result in legal action against those retailers.

Under Price Order 01-2017, the new maximum retail prices to the southern group is $2.87 for petrol and $2.80 for diesel and $3.02 for petrol and $2.95 for diesel in the northern group. Any non-compliance with these prices should be reported to the Internal Affairs’ Officer on the island or directly to the Senior Consumer officer on Rarotonga.

The LPG margins to the Pa Enua are still under review with new margins expected to take effect in the March Price Order at the latest. Consultations on the new margins for LPG will continue with Pa Enua Retailers.

In addition to Atiu, there is full compliance of retail prices of petrol, diesel and LPG on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

In accordance with the Employment Relations Act 2012, the Minister Nicholas, has confirmed a Minimum Wage Review Panel to conduct the 2017 review of the current minimum wage rate in the Cook Islands. Panel members include Sandrina, Ministry of Internal Affairs; Kaipo Ingram, Ministry of Finance & Economic Management; Steve Anderson, Chamber of Commerce (for employers); Tuaine Maunga, Cook Islands Workers Association (for employees); and Vaitoti Tupa, community representative. The task of the Panel is to review the minimum wage rate and make recommendations to the Minister who will then decide on the current rate. Factors such as prevailing economic conditions, income distribution, protection for low income earners, and work incentives, as well as public submissions will be considered when the Panel carries out the review. In 2006 the minimum rate was set at $5.00 an hour. In 2014, following the review, the rate was increased to $6.00 an hour, a 20% increase on the 2006 minimum wage rate. In 2015, the last review led to an increase from $6.00 to $6.25 an hour. The Panel has met for their first meeting on Wednesday 1 February 2017 and will be meeting regularly over the month to analyze available data before finalizing their recommendations.

Under the Employment Relations Act 2012, the Minister of Internal Affairs must review the Minimum Wage annually. In order to assist the review of the minimum wage this year, the Minimum Wage Review Panel has produced an Issues Paper for public consultation. This Paper suggests possible areas of concern and consideration in setting the minimum wage and will be available in this Saturday’s Cook Islands News. It will also be available at the www.intaff.gov.ck website. As the minimum wage will affect everyone in the Cook Islands, the public are invited to provide feedback and comment.

Public consultation helps Government decide what the minimum wage rate should be. Consultation will include one general public meeting, specific stakeholder meetings, radio and television, and outreach in the Pa Enua.

The general public meeting to discuss the Minimum Wage will be held on Friday 17 February 2017, from 12pm lunch time, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Conference Room, Tupapa.

Copies of the Issues Paper are available in Maori and English and are being sent to all Island Administration offices in Pa Enua. Those on Rarotonga are welcome to collect the Paper from the Ministry of Internal Affairs or email us on the below address for a copy. 2

Public submissions on the minimum wage can be made at the public meeting, on radio, in writing delivered via email to intaff.employment@cookislands.gov.ck , faxed to +682 26370 or delivered by hand to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Tupapa. The closing date for submission is Monday 20 February 2017 as the Panel is required to submit a final report to the Minister by 1 March 2017.

For more information about the public meeting or for a copy of the issues paper please contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Labour & Employment Relations Office on 29370 or email intaff.employment@cookislands.gov.ck .

The Social Impact Fund (SIF) is a contestable Fund to assist delivery of priority social services by Civil Society Organisations and is administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Registered Cook Islands Civil Society Organisations are now invited to tender for Programme Funding in the following priority areas:-